Friday, February 5, 2010

TUX

8x10 oil on canvas sold

This little painting was commissioned as a special anniversary present for a husband who dearly loved this little guy. Tux came into the family when their 3 little daughters, all wanted a Cock-a-poo puppy. Tux was purchased with the understanding that he was a Cock-a-poo, but the vet determined a Cock-a-poo, he was not! Regardless of the mix-up, Tux became the most loved dog in this family of 5.

For 16 of Tux's 17 years, he ran leash free all over Dallas at his master's heels. People had become so accustomed to seeing the 2 running buddies over the long span of time, that when Tux could no longer run, strangers would come out of their homes to ask about him. He befriended a little Burmese kitten, often sleeping together and he tolerated a wild rabbit that hung around the family's yard, but the one thing that Tux was not fond of was other dogs...he would simply ignore all dogs.

Tux, the little Cock-a-poo-Not was loved by this family of 5 and for his 17 years Tux loved them right back with the biggest heart ever.

Having 17 years of photos to choose from for Tux's portrait, I really liked that a long ago puppy picture was selected. Once again I found myself painting another black dog, but this one offered an interesting challenge in trying to portray that super soft puppy fur.

For those of you from the Dallas area, a group of us have committed to do a little Spring plein air painting beginning the second Saturday of March. Turtle Creek is a favorite place and I'm sure we'll plan some painting time in that area, in addition to other places. We'd love for you to join us, e-mail me and I'll send you the details, I promise we're fun folks! Thank you for visiting. I do try to visit your blogs and comment, but right now I have fallen behind, hopefully I can catch up real soon. Take care and enjoy your Super Bowl weekend!

10 comments:

Dana Johnson Plein air Artist said...

you really captured the feeling of puppy...what a sweet little guy!...and i loved the story...also loved iggy!...looks like my friends dog "sasha" that i painted a few years ago....i am going to have to try another pet portrait soon...you have inspired me

Unknown said...

Aaaah... what a wonderful painting and story. This is a treasure.

Autumn Leaves said...

I can easily see why Tux was so loved, Angela. I know his owners will always cherish this painting.

Ann Rogers said...

Oh, my gosh, which is sweeter...the painting or the story! Love them both. Thanks for the heads up on the plein air outing, I'll get busy on getting my gear together...might need your expertise on my first adventure "outside"!!!

Art with Liz said...

An absolute sweetheart!

Kerri Settle said...

Wonderful story to go with a wonderful dog!

Edward Burton said...

Very sweet, Angela.

Linda said...

You really captured the essence of a cute puppy! And such a nice story to accompany the portrait. Great painting!!

kendallnowlin said...

Hi Angela...i'm one of the five family members that had the pleasure of knowing and loving Mr. T (Tux). Your painting brought me to tears. You are incredibly talented!!! The painting is so life like, it immediately brought back so many wonderful memories. i just wanted to reach out and pet him. :) Thanks again Angela for bringing his spirit back to life. I have a new puppy here in Austin, so you'll be hearing from me soon.

Gwen Bell said...

What a great story and a beautiful painting to go with it!